In Memory Of Don Cowan

In Memory Of Don Cowan

Don Cowan was one of my volunteer English teachers at the church. I was so sad when I heard that Don Cowan passed away on Dec 26 in 2014. I took part in his service celebrating life on Dec 31.

Don was a Canadian and a Christian. He was over 80 years old, and was about 180 cm tall, sort of thin, with short white hair. He wore glasses and always had a smile on his face.

Don and his wife, Norma organized an ELS conversation class at Donway Covenant United Church to help immigrants people who wanted to practice English. This ELS class is taught once a week and has been kept for over 10 years. Currently, there are about twenty students and ten volunteer teachers in the class. On the last class of every term, all the students would be invited to Don’s home to attend a potluck party. At the party you would learn more about Canada’s culture.

I met Don for the first time at the ELS class at the church on Jan 8/2014. This was my first time to meet so many Canadians. My English was very bad and I just could speak very simple English. I was shy and did not know how to talk to people. Don was very nice and patient. He smiled and asked me some questions slowly. Such as what is your name? Where are you living? How long have you been in Canada? He encouraged me to open my mouth to speak English. At first I was very nervous, I felt my back sweating. Slowly I got more comfortable. I have been attending the church ELS class every week since then. I have a lot of good time there and feel it as a family.

Thank Don for your help. At the church, my English has improved so much, and I know what is a real volunteer in Canada. I’ll miss you forever. 
                                                                       John Chen
                                                                      Jan 1,2015